Born in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Diego Cardoso joined Santos FC's youth setup in 2007, aged 12.[1] He soon earned plaudits for his performances with the under-20's, being the club's top goalscorer with nine goals.
On 21 January 2014 Diego Cardoso made his first-team debut, coming on as a late substitute in a 1-1 away draw against Audax.[2] He scored his first goal on 9 March, the last of a 4–1 home routing over Oeste.[3]
Bragantino (loan)
On 21 August 2015, after appearing rarely, Diego Cardoso was loaned to Bragantino until the end of the season.[4]
Vila Nova (loan)
On 6 January of the following year he moved to fellow Série B team Vila Nova, in a one-year loan deal.[5]
Guarani (loan)
After two years playing in Santos B, on 7 January 2019, Diego Cardoso was loaned to Guarani until the end of the year.[6] A regular starter during the Campeonato Paulista, he lost his starting spot in the Série B.
Botafogo-SP
On 31 December 2019, Diego Cardoso signed a one-year contract with Botafogo-SP, after his deal with Santos expired.[7]
Valletta
On 24 July 2023, Valletta from Malta, announced the signing of Diego Cardoso.[8]